Do I need genetic counseling before a genetic test?

This is a decision for you and your care team, and this page is educational rather than advice. That said, the National Cancer Institute notes that genetic counseling is generally recommended before any genetic testing for inherited cancer risk.

The reason is that counseling helps a person make an informed choice. Before testing, a counselor reviews personal and family history, weighs the benefits and downsides, and explains what each possible result would mean — including for blood relatives. Written informed consent is obtained before a test is ordered.

Meeting with a counselor is not a commitment to test. It is a chance to understand your situation and decide what fits you. A doctor can refer you to a trained genetic counselor or another health professional experienced in cancer genetics.